Australia: The Story of Us - Episode 2 (ATOM Study Guide)

Australia: The Story of Us is an extraordinary narrative about the people, places and events that have shaped the continent, from the first inhabitants to the present day. This groundbreaking drama-documentary series weaves together stories of the nation's origins and offers fresh insights into how Australians came to create the homeland we inhabit today.

Alongside astounding CGI and cinematic sequences, the series features interviews with important thinkers, notable celebrities and national figures who take us inside the stories that have influenced Australian history.

The series can be viewed as a whole or as individual episodes, or even individual segments within episodes. It can be used as a series of creative starting points for students to start their exploration of aspects of Australian history and the people who made it.

Episode 2: 'Break Out'

Nearly fifty years since the arrival of the First Fleet, wool drives British expansion across the continent. Australia begins to break free from its convict shackles and becomes a land of opportunity. The discovery of gold creates a population explosion in Australia. And a ragtag bunch of gold miners fight and die for their rights against the deadliest army in the world.

Curriculum Relevance

Australia: The Story of Us is a suitable resource for students in Years 5–9 in studies of Australian History, English and Film Studies.